Broadcast News

Link Research wins the Queens Award for Enterprise

Link Research has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation Category, for its MPEG low-delay encoder technology.
The MPEG low-delay encoder technology is used in Link’s digital wireless camera system, known as LinkXP and in its low-delay digital encoders. Both are used by broadcasters to transmit live news and sports pictures from their cameras back to the TV networks.
The award will be presented at Link Research’s premises in the Watford Metro Centre by Her Majesty the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s local representative.
Link Research’s low-delay encoding technology represents a breakthrough in broadcasting technology. Low delay is the most important of several key features putting Link ahead of its competitors. It has enabled Link to build and market the first successful digital wireless camera system for TV cameras that is suitable for the demands of live TV.
Len Mann, Managing director of Link Research said: “We are delighted to receive the Queens Award. It reflects the efforts made by each member of the company to reach this position”
The system is attached to a TV camera and converts the analogue signal from the camera to digital format with a very low delay of 40 milliseconds, equivalent to one camera frame. This is very important for outside broadcasts where the time lag between the broadcast picture and real time must be imperceptible. Also, the encoder consumes very little energy, so the camera can operate wirelessly on battery power.
A similar Link Research encoder, the L1000 can be rack-mounted in an outside broadcast vehicle, where its small size and low power consumption make it very practical and efficient.
Since first developing these products in 2002, Link Research has succeeded in selling its low delay products to broadcasters all over the world, including BBC, Sky News, ITN, Channel 9 in Australia, TV Globo in Brazil, and the American broadcasters NBC and ESPN.
The LinkXP is in regular use for live TV news and sports. It was used in the Iraq war and for events ranging from the Hutton Enquiry to the Eurovision Song Contest. It has been used for sporting events such as Premier League football, Test cricket, and Le Mans.
It allows the cameramen to move around freely and get closer to the subjects than is possible with an ordinary TV camera.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are given to successful UK businesses and the winners are announced on 21st April 2004, the Queen’s personal birthday.
(SP)

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